KALAMAZOO, MICHIGAN – Seven Generations Architecture and Engineering (7GenAE), based in Kalamazoo, Michigan, received the 2017 Honor Award in the unbuilt category by the Southwest Michigan Chapter of the American Institute of American Institute of Architects (AIA) for their work on the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi’s Native Justice Center. The Honor Award is the highest award that the AIA bestows upon architectural work. The award was presented during an awards banquet on Thursday, November 9, 2017 in Kalamazoo.

Seven Generations Architecture and Engineering is part of the Mno-Bmadsen Family of Companies – the investment enterprise of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians. Seven Generations A+E provides extensive experience in Architecture, Engineering, Interior Design and Planning; and serves Federal, State, Municipal, Commercial and Tribal clients with a singular dedication to environmental stewardship. For more information: www.7GenAE.com .

An AIA juror described the design as, “a clear concept, carried out with simple forms and appropriate material.” He added, “What struck me about this project was that the circular plan, with the program spaces around the central courtyard, showed a clarity of organization. The curved parking lot also supports the overall theme.”

“It has truly been an honor,” said Jeremy Berg, managing director at 7GenAE, “to work with the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi on the project, and also to be recognized by the architectural profession for design excellence.”

7GenAE was commissioned by the Pokagon Band to design a cutting-edge native justice center to serve the Band’s tribal members. Native Justice is focused on the healing of the individual and the healing of the community as a whole. The Pokagon Band is developing an initiative to restore the spirit and ideals of native justice within the Pokagon Community.

Native Justice, or more commonly referred to as Peacemaking, is an alternative route to bring about justice. The new justice center will allow staff to provide the proper spaces for individuals to participate in peacemaking efforts. The courtroom and the surrounding support spaces will focus on cultural aspects of justice compared to a more punitive western judicial tradition.

7GenAE was also rewarded the Honor Award in 2015 for the Pokagon Health and Wellness Center.

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